Primary school in Newham to close due to lack of pupils as London's school closures crisis grows

"Newham Council says falling pupil numbers and a 1.1million budget deficit means it can't afford to keep Calverton Primary School in Custom House open. She said the school which her daugher once attended was really close to my heart. But she said it had not been possible to avoid the proposed closure. A protest outside the school Council leaders made the decision as the school has it has a 1.1 million budget deficit underpinned by falling pupil numbers."

"The school is close to our home, making it a convenient and essential part of our daily lives, especially as a single mother of two that matters more than words can say. Calverton provides not only education but also stability and support for families like mine. Several people raised worries about the effect closure would have on children with special education needs and disabilities (Send)."

Calverton Primary School in Custom House will close next year after Newham Council approved the decision because the school has a £1.1 million budget deficit driven by rapidly falling pupil numbers. Funding follows pupil numbers, and pupils have declined faster at Calverton than in other borough schools. The cabinet voted to proceed after consultations that recorded strong parental opposition, including 150 respondents. Parents warned the closure would devastate families and damage provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Calverton hosts a dedicated SEND resource, the Treehouse, raising specific concerns about displaced pupils and reduced local support.

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